Lee 405 HB bullet, what do you put under it? wad, cookie

[JBMauser]

I am getting good results with this bullet with my home made lube, thumb seated in my 45/70 cases shot in my 1864 Danish Rolling Block.  I have put a wax paper wafer over the powder and filled the base with lube but this is never totally consistant.  I feel that a hard card or a milk carton disk or a plastic disk (coffee can lid) would be a bump to the Hollow base because it would have to be pushed into the void and it will not do so in an even space.  which I think will be wores than nothing.  Any help will be appreciated.  JB

[Larry Gibson]

JBMauser

I shoot lots of the Lee 405HBs in my TDs. This bullet replicates the M1873 arsenal 45-70 bullet. The hollow base was not designed to aid in obturation ala a mine bullet but was there to maintain external dimensions of the bullet. The lube grooves hold all the lube that is necessary. The arsenals loaded 45-55 loads and originally used a wad but found it led to inaccuracy so they quit using it. I also found it was not as accurate when using .003 or .006 vegie wads. I shoot it seated on the powder with nothing in the HB. Accuracy is quite good that way.

Larry Gibson

[JBMauser]

Thanks Larry, My useless wax paper disk was just that in my opinion but I was a bit concerned about having nothing down there.  Then there is that chatter about soft gas checks, lube cookies, veggie wads etc.  I guess with a flat base bullet they would at least do no harm.  The lee 405 HB has given me some impressive (for me) results.  I don't think I need to seek another mould but just keep tweeking this load.  Thanks for the info.  JB